Temporary staff placements in UK professional-level jobs rose 15% year-on-year, but permanent roles dropped by the same level, finds data collected from members by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

Engineering and IT temporary workers were in most demand, with placements up 17%. Meanwhile, in finance and accountancy, permanent hiring fell by 19%, while temporary placements rose more modestly, by 4%.

Ann Swain, chief executive for APSCo, says: “From the Jubilee weekend right through to the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, this summer has been quite remarkable. However, now that the party is finally over, the UK is well and truly back to business, gearing up for a busy quarter.  Businesses are hoping to make up for any lost productivity during a summer full of disruption.

“Businesses are keen to finish the year with a flurry. Many will have been delaying the start of new projects until after the summer, which is creating a sudden jump in workload.”